A Suitcase Surprise for Mommy

January 24, 2011
It doesn't matter how carefully Zoran's mother has prepared him for her upcoming business trip to New York. "e still did not like it. ‘No New York!' he said, and he meant it." But together, the pair hits on the ideal solution: Mommy takes with her a drawing that Zoran made in school. It's portable, easy to show off to colleagues, and can sit on Mommy's hotel nightstand so she can "have a part of you right next to me." Every kid with a parent who travels for business knows all too well the dilemma facing the characters in this story. So it's too bad that Cora, the Iron Chef, making her kid's lit debut, writes such cloying, stilted prose. Even the most earnest grownups will have trouble delivering lines like "Why is there a cloud over my bright little sunshine?" and "Yeah Mommy, I did it! I found the perfect something special!" Allen (Princess Party) has a better grasp of emotional authenticity in her gouache and pencil drawings, but for the most part it's sweetness ladled on top of treacle. Ages 3–5.

April 1, 2011

Iron Chef and debut children's author Cora obviously understands the challenges of the working mom. Here she addresses a son's anxiety when his mother prepares to travel for work. Mommy announces an upcoming trip, and Zoran is upset at the thought of missing her so much. She comes up with an idea: Zoran should choose "something special of [his for her] to take" on her travels so that they may "both feel better." So begins a search for the perfect item for Mommy to pack. A favorite truck is too big, and a remote-controlled robot is too noisy. Zoran is about to despair when Mommy cheers him up: "...no matter how high I fly or how far away I travel, my heart stays home with you." This inspires Zoran to choose a sweet picture he drew at school for his Mommy. She assures him she will keep it with her throughout her journey, and all seems amazingly well. Allen successfully depicts the vacillating moods of Zoran as well as the constant loving nature of Mommy with softened bright colors in gouache and pencil. The appeal of this well-intentioned effort is limited to those experiencing a similar situation; others will find little to entertain young readers. (Picture book. 3-5)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

March 1, 2011

PreS-K-Little Zoran is angry that his mother is traveling to New York. Even though she tries to prepare him, he is sad. She suggests that if he gives her something special of his to take along, they both might feel better. Zoran searches his room, but none of his precious toys seems just right. His eyes light up as he remembers a picture he made for her at school. They talk about how she will take the picture wherever she goes, to dinner, to the show, and to her hotel so she can see him right before she goes to sleep. The illustrations are bright and simple, and the child's facial expressions are endearing. A cat appears on each page to add a little comic relief. The pictures are large enough to make this a good read-aloud for a group. Families, especially those in which parents travel often, will relate to and find comfort in this adorable tale.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2011
Preschool-K Zoran is upset that his mother has to go away for work again. Then she suggests that he choose one of his special objects for her to bring with her. Unfortunately, his truck is too big for her suitcase, his robot is too noisy, and he might miss his pirate toy. Despite Mommys assurances, Zoran is disheartened until he realizes the perfect item: a card he drew that reminds his mother how much he loves her. While the topic is familiar, Cora, a mother and Iron Chef alumna, insightfully conveys how both parents and children seek comfort and connection when theyre apart, as well as the importance of verbal reassurances, tangible mementos, and collaboration. The storys concepts and emotions ring true and are accessibly related through the descriptive narrative, which is filled with realistic dialogue and interactions, from hugs to high-fives. The brightly colored, cartoon-style, gouache-and-pencil illustrations include many playful touches that reinforce the comforting tone. A sympathetic portrayal of separation and finding ways to feel close despite distance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)